The Vantage Point - The Leaders Cornerhttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog-category/leaders-corner
enThe Leaders' Corner - James Temple, PwC Canadahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-james-temple-pwc-canada
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="https://www.thevantagepoint.ca/sites/default/files/assets/images/jamesdenise1.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.thevantagepoint.ca/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_frontpage_normal/public/assets/images/jamesdenise1.jpg?itok=v5A4KiH3" width="980" height="280" alt="The Leaders&#039; Corner with James Temple, PwC Canada" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><br />
The first time I met James was at his PWC office in Toronto 2 years ago. I was new to my role, new to the sector, and new to fund development. I admit I was a bit nervous; I had only met a few funders - how would I relay our mission and the impact our organization has in our community? I came away from that meeting so impressed with James and his obvious passion for his role in supporting capacity building in not-for-profit leadership. (And he gave me a nice box of chocolates!) James and I have continued to meet whenever he is in Vancouver and we have amazing conversations about our own leadership lessons and journeys.<!--break--></p>
<p>James has a fascinating background. In high school he was a trombone virtuoso and envisioned a career in music. When an important audition at a prodigious U.S. music school did not go well, he took some time for something completely different and worked for a while in a garden centre, hauling around mud and manure. After that experience he went back to school and got a degree in Geographic Analysis from Ryerson University, and from there to a bank where he worked in location analytics. Whatever the role, James brings commitment and integrity to everything he does.</p>
<p><strong>Leader:</strong> <a class="bluetext" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/csrjames" target="_blank">James Temple</a>, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer </p>
<p><strong>Organization:</strong><a class="bluetext" href="http://www.pwc.com/ca/en.html" target="_blank">PwC Canada</a></p>
<p><strong>Tenure: </strong>6 years</p>
<p><strong>Leadership or life motto:</strong> “To infinity and beyond”</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming projects/challenges:</strong><br />
The PwC Canada Foundation has just launched a discussion paper on the issue of not-for-profit overhead ratios. We’re working with public, private and not-for-profit leaders to talk about why donors should look beyond these proxies to ask betters questions about why and how an organization is making a difference and what resources it needs to be successful.</p>
<hr /><p><strong>How would you describe your leadership approach/brand/philosophy?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Collaborative and curious. I make sure to engage unusual suspects in bold conversations that challenge everyday perceptions and focus on how to best support teams in navigating ambiguity. It’s about listening to understand (not listening to respond), and embracing feedback to help drive change.</p>
<p><strong>What is your most recent lesson in leadership? </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Perspective is a powerful and important word. During a recent strategic planning meeting, a question came up about how goals are defined within a business, a portfolio and a team. At first glance the goals that the leaders in the room had set were perfectly aligned. However, one leader responded to the question by suggesting that expectation of the goals were that they would never be met (and that the goal should stretch you and inspire you), while for another leader it was to be a simple numeric value that was to be achieved and exceeded. Defining the parameters of goals are equally as important as the goals themselves. A great lesson in communication and consensus building to address potential conflict before it arises.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Who is your favourite leader from a movie?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Here’s why: She reminds all of us that with ‘passion, courage of conviction, and a strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world’. She’s also a great example of a leader that faced stereotypes and unconscious bias. It is a good reminder why we must focus on a person’s capabilities.</p>
<p><strong><strong>If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I’m still trying to master the art of good work-life balance and make sure that I’m taking enough time for me. My role requires me to be ‘on’ 24/7 – at work events, speaking engagements, personal volunteering commitments – and it’s important not to overextend. I’m still on this journey, but I’m getting better.</p>
<p><strong><strong>What kind of child were you?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I was a curious child – the type to sit in the back seat of the car and ask ‘why’ about everything that I saw going by during a drive to the grocery store. I’m sure I drove my mother and father nuts.</p>
<p><strong><strong>When did you last cry at work?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We’re all human and we all have feelings. Good leadership also means showing vulnerability. I recently found out that one of my mentees got a new job that they’d been working hard to secure for a few months. Seeing them succeed and hearing about how excited they were and what they had learnt through the process made me proud. I couldn’t help but gush along with them!</p>
<p><strong><strong>What is your most embarrassing moment?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I was delivering a presentation in Quebec City and – at the last minute and in an effort to be inclusive - I googled the French translation to my speech. It didn’t hit the mark. The internet translation was so mixed up that a member of my team had to re-translate everything I said in French on the spot. They were kind to point out that although my prose was a disaster, that I really nailed the accent! That’s definitely a #FAIL for me but with a silver lining.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Which words or phrases do you most overuse?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">‘Got it’. ‘I see’. ‘Amazing’.</p>
<p><strong><strong>What kind of music do you like? What is on your playlist now?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I’d have to go with old school. Right now I’m listening to No Diggity ft. Dr Dre &amp; Queen Pen by Blackstreet.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Vantage Point is committed to abundance: a culture of promise and possibility.What does abundance mean to you?</strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I believe it’s about taking accountability for sharing your skills, voice and relationships in ways that help others harness their potential. These kinds of action help to create an ecosystem of abundance.</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 13 Apr 2016 15:55:18 +0000Denise Baker1143 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-james-temple-pwc-canada#commentsThe Leaders' Corner - Michael Anhorn, Canadian Mental Health Associationhttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-michael-anhorn-canadian-mental-health-association
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p>Michael Anhorn is a warm person with a reputation for collaboration and sharing. He grew up in Penzance, Saskatchewan, a small farming community, and realized early on that a career as a farmer was not for him. After university, Michael began a Masters of Divinity at Queens Theological College, but did not complete it. Instead, he realized he could fight for the causes that he is passionate about – social justice, inclusion, and social housing – within the not-for-profit sector. Over the years, Michael has held a variety of roles in government and the not-for-profit sector, giving him a broad and deep perspective of the sector.<!--break--></p>
<p>Michael is also passionate about the importance of leadership development and capacity building. He has experienced much on his own leadership journey. A particular new interest is in change leadership, explored when he recently led the successful amalgamation of 3 formerly independently incorporated Branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Through the project, he realized that positive change is only possible with the people front and centre. To accomplish this, Michael and the leadership team at CMHA aimed to have minimal to no impact on program participants, and provided staff with opportunities to celebrate the successes of their original branch, grieve its loss and develop hopes and dreams for the amalgamated branch. As with most transitions of this size, there were bumps and unexpected turns along the way; however, the staff team seems to be coalescing and have remained resilient and committed to their program participants.</p>
<p><strong>Leader:</strong> <a class="bluetext" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelanhorn" target="_blank">Michael Anhorn</a>, Executive Director</p>
<p><strong>Organization:</strong> <a class="bluetext" href="http://vancouver-fraser.cmha.bc.ca/">Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Fraser</a></p>
<p><strong>Tenure: </strong>Since November 2012</p>
<p><strong>Leadership or life motto:</strong> “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. Want to come play?” (Rumi as translated by Jamshed Storer)</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming projects/challenges:</strong></p>
<p>Integrating 3 cultures into 1 new organization. Expanding programming into areas previously not served by CMHA (Surrey and Langley).</p>
<hr /><p> </p>
<p><strong>If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Nelson Mandela</p>
<p><strong>Do you have a mentor? What is the biggest lesson they ever taught you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I’ve been lucky to have many mentors throughout my life. It is too hard to name only one or two. The three most important lessons they taught me are: 1) Figure out the ‘right’ thing to do and then do it (even if doing so is personally risky); 2) Approach everything from the perspective of curiosity – curiosity reduces our tendency to jump to judgment and forces us to listen; and 3) When you are lost, return to your heart and listen for the quiet voice that resides there.</p>
<p><strong>Who is your favourite leader from a movie?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Jean Luc Picard. Although I’m not a huge Star Trek fan, I do admire the collaborative and developmental leadership style of Jean Luc Picard.</p>
<p><strong>What is your greatest fear?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Disappointing others. It’s a fear I need to stay very conscious of so that I don’t give into it in leadership roles.</p>
<p><strong>What trait do you most admire in others?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Compassion combined with visionary thinking</p>
<p><strong>What is your favorite book? </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em><a class="bluetext" href="http://www.amazon.ca/Leadership-Line-Staying-Through-Dangers/dp/1578514371" target="_blank">Leadership on the Line</a>: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading</em> by Ronald Heifetz and Martin Linsky</p>
<p><strong>What do you do for fun?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I travel to places that are quiet, remote, and where cell phones don’t work. There I can listen to the wind in the trees and water rushing in the streams. </p>
<p><strong>What would your super power be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Invoking compassion and empathy in others.</p>
<p><strong>What impact do you want to make on the world?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I want to increase the value attributed to the not-for-profit sector in our society and by doing so, increase the inclusion of people who are traditionally left out or left behind in our communities.</p>
<p><strong>What is the best gift you have ever received?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">A cooler. It was a present for my grade 12 graduation that I still have and use regularly.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 17:57:15 +0000Denise Baker872 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-michael-anhorn-canadian-mental-health-association#commentsThe Leaders' Corner - Danielle Primrose, The Better Business Bureauhttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-danielle-primrose-better-business-bureau
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p>When I first met Danielle I was impressed by her humour and her honesty, but mostly, by her passion for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and her mission to grow the organization and provide real value to its members. </p>
<p>Danielle recently came to the not-for-profit sector after an extensive career in retail with roles in marketing, operations, human resources, and customer service. This combination of skills gives her an ideal foundation for her role at the BBB. Danielle has big goals for the organization; the association serves the requirements of its members and also has the opportunity to educate business members on the value of ethical business and customer service – two areas she is passionate about.</p>
<p>Danielle is a leader committed to continuous learning and professional development, both for herself and for those around her. She readily shares her knowledge with her staff, mentees, and business members, and believes that inspiring leadership in others is a key responsibility. </p>
<p><strong>Leader:</strong> Danielle Primrose, President/CEO</p>
<p><strong>Organization:</strong> <a class="bluetext" href="http://www.bbb.org/mbc/" target="_blank">The Better Business Bureau - Mainland British Columkbia</a></p>
<p><strong>Tenure:</strong> 3.5 years</p>
<p><strong>Leadership or life motto:</strong> Don’t be afraid of change </p>
<p><strong>Upcoming projects/challenges:</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">This year we completed a comprehensive board governance review. My next step is to put into action the recommendations in partnership with the board. <span style="line-height: 27.2px;">We always have the challenge to grow our membership. Growth that provides the funding to the programs we offer to businesses and consumers in the market place.</span></p>
<hr /><p><strong style="line-height: 27.2px;">How would you describe your leadership approach/brand/philosophy?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">A leader can’t lead if there is no one around them that is inspired to learn and grow. Every interaction is an opportunity to develop someone and empower them to be a leader themselves. Find that quiet leader on your team and give them your time. </p>
<p><strong>What is the best advice you’ve received?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">A great mentor of mine once said "put a due date on it, that way it will be sure to happen".</p>
<p><strong>If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I have the great fortune to have dinner with my husband every night and would love to have many more dinners with my mother who has sadly passed. </p>
<p><strong>If you could change one thing about the not-for-profit sector, what would it be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Having additional funding programs or grant opportunities to retain top talent against the wealthy private sector. </p>
<p><strong>What do you value in your colleagues?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Their hearts and their smarts.</p>
<p><strong>What keeps you up at night?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The balance sheet! </p>
<p><strong>What do you do for fun?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Food, wine and entertaining friends. </p>
<p><strong>What are 3 adjectives that people are most likely to use to describe you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Forward thinking, decisive, and thought provoking.</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:07:09 +0000Denise Baker863 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-danielle-primrose-better-business-bureau#commentsThe Leaders Corner - Michael Davis, Board Voicehttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-michael-davis-board-voice
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p>Michael Davis has enjoyed a very interesting career. In his twenties he lived and worked on a vintage wooden boat, sailing up and down the BC coast. In his late twenties he decided to do something different with his life and an avid interest in politics led him to manage various campaigns of some well-known politicians from all sides of the spectrum in BC. <!--break--></p>
<p>Michael is a graduate of the Royal Roads University Public Relations Management Program, and has provided counsel to a variety of organizations, including Wal-Mart Canada, the City of Fort St. John, and Insite (Canada’s first supervised injection site).</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">He is passionate about community and the environment and has been a long-time volunteer and board member of family and community service organizations. A man with an irreverent sense of humour, Michael continues to be an avid sailor and has added a new motorcycle cruiser, Jolene, to his land life.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"><strong>Leader: </strong>Michael Davis, Board Chair</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"><strong>Organization:</strong> <strong><a class="bluetext" href="http://www.boardvoice.ca/" target="_blank">Board Voice</a></strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tenure:</strong> Since November 2013</p>
<p><strong>Leadership motto</strong>: Find the win for everyone at the table.</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming Projects: </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"><strong><em>Advocating for a Social Policy Framework for BC.</em></strong> An overarching set of documents that live at the highest political level of government. A SPF would outline the goals of all our social policies, desired outcomes, and strategies to coordinate across ministries and between government, community benefit organizations and the public. It would measure success by the outcomes for the end users.</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><em>The BC Social Reports.</em></strong> Work with multiple organizations to define the top measures of how BC is doing on social issues and publish them annually.</p>
<hr /><p> </p>
<p><strong>What is your personal mission statement?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Contribute real change on issues that matter to me: social justice, the environment, democracy.</p>
<p><strong>What is the best advice you’ve received?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Go straight at it. </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Too many times we skirt the real issues because they make us uncomfortable. A direct approach –with some tact—is best. </p>
<p><strong>What is your greatest fear?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Irrelevance. </p>
<p><strong>What trait do you most admire in yourself?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The ability to think strategically and follow through with concrete action. And my sense of humour: I kill me!</p>
<p><strong>If you ruled the world, what is the first thing you would change?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I would end child poverty.</p>
<p><strong>What do you do for fun?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Sail an old wood boat on our beautiful coast.</p>
<p><strong>What kind of child were you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">A brat. But lovable.</p>
<p><strong>What is your passion? Where does it come from?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">That everyone have a fair chance at contributing at their highest ability. </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Growing up gay, bookish and chubby, I know what it feels like to be excluded. We lose too much when we dismiss people, their knowledge and experience because they are not like us. I came very close to falling off the mainstream path many times, but good people at the right time have helped me grow and learn and make a contribution. And that feels very good.</p>
<p><strong>How do you nurture your sense of wellbeing?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Balancing work and play and volunteering is important. The sense of accomplishment that comes through my paid and volunteer work is rewarding. Getting out of the city, out in nature soothes my soul. Time with friends and family enriches my life. The balance and variety of all these aspects makes for a pretty good life.</p>
<p><strong>What is the one thing you can’t live without?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Music!</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 23 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000Denise Baker861 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-michael-davis-board-voice#commentsThe Leaders Corner - Branislav Henselmann, Ballet BChttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-branislav-henselmann-ballet-bc
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p>Branislav is intense, thoughtful, and widely read and travelled. Our conversation spanned a wide range of topics including power and who wants it, gender salary differences, and his thoughts on good leadership. He believes in authentic, flat leadership and prefers to let others shine and lead. As a leader he needs to be fully committed to the cause and certain that he is solving more problems that he is creating.</p>
<p>Originally trained as a dancer in Munich, later deepening his studies at conservatory level at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London, Branislav also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University. He has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver's Forty under 40 in 2014.<!--break--></p>
<p>And yet Branislav prefers to be surrounded by those who want to fulfil their potential and who are motivated by continuous learning. He feels that supporting young leaders to take on more responsibility is essential to our sector and actively mentors and champions his younger team members. </p>
<p>The concept of shared leadership is something he lives with every day, and credits to his co-leaders Artistic Director Emily Molnar and Board Chair Dr. Kevin B. Leslie.</p>
<p><strong>Leader:</strong> Branislav Henselmann, Executive Director</p>
<p><strong>Organization:</strong> <a class="bluetext" href="http://www.balletbc.com/" target="_blank">Ballet BC</a></p>
<p><strong>Tenure:</strong> Since July 2012</p>
<p><strong>Leadership or life motto:</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">“When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.” - Robert Fulghum</p>
<p><strong style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Upcoming projects/challenges:</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I don’t see challenges, just a myriad of opportunities. Incredible opportunities opening doors for our upcoming projects, such as our final show for the season, RITE, based on the legendary Rite of Spring, featuring some of Vancouver’s finest: Emily Molnar choreographing, Omer Arbel designing and Jeremy Schmidt composing. Or the start our 30th season this summer, as we are opening one of the most prestigious dance festivals in the world, Jacob’s Pillow, leading to performances in Vancouver – and many abroad – for a year of celebrating the extraordinary talent in this city.</p>
<div>
<hr /><div><br /><strong>How would you describe your leadership approach/brand/philosophy?</strong>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Pragmatism and non-conformism, constantly embracing ambiguity, insisting on collaboration and peer-driven participation, and hopefully, along the way, creating meaning, shaping identity, and ultimately, adding value</p>
<p><strong>What book are you reading now?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The End of Wall Street” by Roger Lowenstein</p>
<p><strong>Who would you invite to a dinner party, alive or dead?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Right now, the guests would be Hannah Arendt, Peter Sellers, Slavoj Zizek, Grace Jones and Woody Allen. </p>
<p><strong>What is your greatest fear? </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Living in fear. Fear paralyzes.</p>
<p><strong>When did you last cry at work?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Our recent Ballet BC tour took us to Montreal for three nights, performing at Place des Arts, on a stage that had seen some of the most preeminent artists in the world. First night of standing ovations - not just at the end of the evening, but after each of the three performances - was quite overwhelming and humbling, but when the same ovations happened on the second night, seeing the smiles on our dancers’ faces, and knowing that all the hard work by so many extraordinary people was so deeply acknowledged and appreciated, was just too much. I guess you can call those tears of joy, happiness and gratitude.</p>
<p><strong>What do you value in your colleagues?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Imagination, wit, honesty, dedication, loyalty and steadfastness. Above all, though, generosity of spirit.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>What is the best gift you have ever received?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">It must be the gift I’ve received from my parents – ubiquitous humour and utter non-conformism. Also my first box of Laduree macarons.</p>
<p><strong>What still surprises you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The difficulty that is continuous work on reduction of noise that constantly surrounds us, as we are aiming to distinguish between the “want “ and the “need” - and once successful, discovering the wonder and beauty in small things anew. Both in personal and professional life.</p>
<p><strong>As someone new to Canada, how do you feel about curling?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">What is this “curling”, everyone speaks of?</p>
<p><strong>Which words or phrases do you most overuse?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">#littlehandcslapping (personal way of expressing immense excitement and/or delight).</p>
<p><strong>What would your super power be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Healing. Failing that, telepathy.</p>
<p><strong>What impact do you want to make on the world?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">It’s the collective impact that counts. So perhaps, within my abilities, help those around me to fulfill their potential, and by doing so, unleash their innate ability to change the world one baby-step at a time. To quote Martha Graham:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open... “</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Or, as summed up so wonderfully in the cult film, Paris is Burning:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">”If you shoot an arrow, and it goes real high – hooray for you!”</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> </p>
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</div></div></div>Mon, 04 May 2015 16:26:04 +0000Denise Baker849 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-branislav-henselmann-ballet-bc#commentsThe Leaders Corner - Leila Getz, Vancouver Recital Societyhttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-leila-getz-vancouver-recital-society
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p>Leila is an ebullient and engaging personality, honest and direct. We had an enjoyable lunch where I learned about her childhood and the seeds of her entrepreneurial spirit. <!--break--></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">She grew up in Capetown, South Africa where, in the 1950’s, her aunt and mother founded the well-known Maynardville Park Open Air Theatre. Leila inherited their can-do attitude, sheer resilience, and marketing flair. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Leila assumes every challenge can be overcome and she draws on her energy and stubborn nature to achieve it. She knows when something must be done, and goes ahead and does it regardless if she has done it before. Post 2009 was a very difficult time for many arts organizations, and she is proud of her organization’s ability to overcome some real financial difficulties and continue to thrive. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">As a founder of a not-for-profit, Leila is a true entrepreneur: passionately motivated for her organization to succeed, while bringing young musicians to the attention of new audiences to enjoy the shared experience of listening to great music.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"><strong>Leader:</strong> Leila Getz, Founder &amp; Artistic Director<br /><strong>Organization:</strong> Vancouver Recital Society<br /><strong>Tenure:</strong> 30+ years <br />
</span></p>
<p><strong>If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Do I really have to pick only one! After three days of thinking about it I can’t decide between Nelson Mandela and J.S. Bach!!</p>
<p><strong>What is your greatest fear?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Death</p>
<p><strong>What trait do you most admire in yourself?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Unbounded enthusiasm for things that excite me. After discovering young musical talents for over 35 years, I still get as excited as I did at the very beginning.</p>
<p><strong>What is your most embarrassing moment?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Oh, this is the only EASY question. In 1982 I had to walk out on stage ahead of a performance to make an announcement and halfway across the stage I tripped and fell flat on my face. You can just imagine the audience reaction! All I could think was “thank God my mother’s not in the audience” as I picked myself up and walked to the front of the stage, my pink knees peeking out from the huge holes in my black stockings. But, I’ll give myself credit for this…I didn’t turn around and run away backstage, I picked up what was left of my self-esteem and made the announcement.</p>
<p><strong>What is your favorite book or piece of music?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations.</p>
<p><strong>What keeps you up at night?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Nothing…except when my dog barks! </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"><strong>What still surprises you?</strong></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Audiences’ ticket purchasing habits. Perhaps habits is not the right word here. I would have thought that after 35 years of trying to sell tickets I might have some wisdom about the subject, but I don’t. I still don’t understand why tickets sell and why they don’t sell.</p>
<p><strong>What is your passion? Where does it come from?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Music and dogs! I come from a family of entrepreneurs and artists. I grew up with the smell of greasepaint and passionate and boisterous people. My parents were terrified that I would also be drawn to the world of theatre, so they encouraged my musical interests. Little did they know how I would end up!! I had an extremely colourful childhood and was fortunate to be surrounded by loving people. </p>
<p><strong>What are 3 adjectives that people are most likely to use to describe you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Stubborn. Maverick. Outgoing.</p>
<p><strong>When do you get your best ideas?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Either in the shower, or when I’m stuck in traffic jams. I’m not trying to be funny here, but some of my best and most ridiculous ideas have come to me whilst sitting in a stationary line of cars.</p>
<p><strong>What is the most important lesson life has taught you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Never to take anything for granted and always to expect the unexpected. That’s what makes life interesting.</span></p>
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</div></div></div>Mon, 19 Jan 2015 16:54:02 +0000Denise Baker838 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/leaders-corner-leila-getz-vancouver-recital-society#commentsJennifer Breakspear, Executive Director, Options for Sexual Health BChttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/jennifer-breakspear-executive-director-options-sexual-health-bc
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The Leaders Corner</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p><strong>Leader:</strong> Jennifer Breakspear</p>
<p><strong>Organization:</strong> Options for Sexual Health </p>
<p><strong>Tenure:</strong> Two years</p>
<p><strong>Leadership or life motto: </strong>Make a difference</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming projects/challenges:</strong> Acquiring her Certified Association Executive designation<!--break--></p>
<p>Anyone who spends time with Jennifer can see she is incredibly smart, is not afraid to speak her mind, and is a champion for justice and equity. Jennifer has a fascinating and diverse background, but look behind the curtains and a common theme emerges –a dedication to the dignity of humans and a passion for fighting for our rights – political, health, sexual, gender. </p>
<p>Like many leaders, Jennifer tried out a handful of careers: for a few years she was a cook, then she spent 10 years as a paramedic, 2 years as a CUPE union rep, and finally she fell in love with school and learning. She went back to university to earn her undergraduate degree, then Masters, and (almost) a PhD in Political Science, specializing in human rights. </p>
<p>When universities eliminated mandatory retirement for professors, Jennifer realized that an academic career was likely not possible. She faced a wrenching choice: continue with her PhD and hope for the best or quit the path she thought she would take, which had been her focus for 10 years. The choice to move in a new direction took both courage and humility, which are both characteristics of a great leader. </p>
<p>As a leader, Jennifer willingly accepts responsibility, driven by a desire to serve and make a difference. The most valuable lesson from her family was the importance of being actively involved in the community and giving back. Jennifer lives by this. Despite a busy job, she is active in developing the not-for-profit community. She co-organizes a monthly breakfast for women executive directors, providing a supportive forum where female leaders can share their questions and challenges. She is also a knowledge philanthropist with Vantage Point, facilitating a number of our board governance workshops. These are just a few examples of her commitment.</p>
<p><br /><strong>How would you describe your leadership approach/brand/philosophy?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Lead as you want to be led.</p>
<p><strong>What did you want to be when you grew up?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">When I was six I wanted to be a mad scientist. Not just a scientist, it had to be a mad scientist. That lasted for a while. And then I wanted to be the first woman Prime Minister. Darn Kim Campbell!</p>
<p><strong>What is the best advice you’ve received?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Conflict is not something to be afraid of. Conflict provides opportunities for deepening connection and greater understanding. </p>
<p><strong>Who was your best boss and why?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">My current boss, our Board President. She has amazing clarity, she is supportive but not intrusive, and she identifies a goal as well as the steps needed to get there. </p>
<p><strong>If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Sometimes I would like to be taller. Other times I just imagine that I am. </p>
<p><strong>How would we know when you are stressed?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I don't laugh easily when I'm stressed. But when I'm stressed laughter is often what I most need to get me to lighten up, not to take myself and whatever is stressing me so seriously.</p>
<p><strong>What do you do for fun?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Cycling, I love riding my bike. It's been one of my favourite things since I was a kid. Getting out on my bike has always made me feel free and alive. And dragon boating, I love being on the water with a group of people, working together, pulling together. There's incredible power in a dragon boat when everyone pulls together. </p>
<p><strong>What still surprises you?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">When people will not take a risk, when they won't try something scary or hard. </p>
<p><strong>When do you get your best ideas?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">When I engage in conversation with others.</p>
<p><strong>What are you currently obsessed with – personally or professionally?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Change.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:56:25 +0000Denise Baker825 at https://www.thevantagepoint.cahttps://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/jennifer-breakspear-executive-director-options-sexual-health-bc#comments